10 frosty summer treats
By Anna Squires May 7




I don’t know about you guys, but as a girl living in the South, I have only two words to describe the weather right now: hot and sticky. The pollen count is up, the sun is scorching, and the only thing I want to do is kick back with some frosty ice cream and my favorite shades.

The only problem with that picture? The old-fashioned ice cream I’ve been dreaming of is high in fat, high in calories, and great at spiking my blood sugar and sending me crashing minutes later! Luckily for us, though, there are fabulous options to stay cool as summer heats up. (And keep us healthy, too!) Here are ten delicious, homemade ideas to whip up the next time the you’re craving something cold and sweet!

Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops

This recipe is tart and perfect as either an ice pop or a smoothie. You’ll need a can of frozen strawberry lemonade (look the one that’s lowest in sugar), three cups of cold water, and a package of frozen sliced strawberries (they’re in the freezer section of the grocery store). Get out a large pitcher and stir together the lemonade concentrate and water. Puree the strawberries in a blender until they’re smooth, and then stir them into the lemonade/water mixture. Pour them into molds and and stick toothpicks in them to give yourself a cute popsicle handle to hold onto. After four hours in the freezer, you’ll be good to go!

Fresh Fruit Smoothie

Smoothies are my ultimate go-to food when I’m in a rush. You can make a light smoothie for a snack, or a protein-packed, nutrient-rich version as a meal replacement. For a fruit smoothie that will keep you full, I like to blend a cup of frozen blueberries, a banana, a few spoonfuls of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, some almond milk or no-sugar added fruit juice, a scoop of protein powder, and a little bit of flax seed oil. It turns out so creamy and delicious that you’ll have a hard time sharing!

Green Smoothie

Feeling daring? If you have a hard time eating vegetables (and V-8 gives you the heebie-jeebies, like me) you can drink your leafy greens in a smoothie! Use a cup of frozen or fresh mixed berries – strawberries work best – a cup of kale, a banana, water or no-sugar-added fruit juice, and a few ice cubes if you like your smoothies icy. Don’t skimp on the kale – it will turn the smoothie green, but it’s one of the best foods you can put in your body! You can find bagged kale in the produce section of the grocery store.

Low-Fat Ice Cream Bars

If you’re screaming for ice cream, the lovely people at Skinny Cow and Weight Watchers have got your back. The freezer section of the grocery aisle should carry their low-calorie, low-fat ice cream bars specifically designed to satisfy your sweet tooth without blowing your diet. Any of their products will be creamy, delicious, and around a hundred calories.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Want something solid to sink your teeth into? For a cool, savory treat, take two cups of cubed watermelon, 1/4 cup of feta cheese, and some chopped dill to sprinkle on top. Mix the ingredients together and chow down!

Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple Chunks

If you’re firing up the grill for a barbecue – or you just want something warm and sweet for dessert – try this easy recipe. You’ll need a can of cubed pineapple, chopped bananas, a lemon, some skewers (the kind you would use to grill shish kebabs) and some ground cinnamon. Slide the pineapple and banana chunks onto your skewers, spritz them with lemon juice, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to heat them. Once the grill is fired up, grill them at medium heat, turning them every two minutes until they’re toasty. Dust them with cinnamon powder and you’re good to go!

If you’re looking for something cool to sip on, there are lots of cold, fruity drinks you can make while avoiding sodas that are packed with sugar.

Homemade Iced Tea

I work at a coffee shop, and as the weather starts to scorch, our iced teas sell out faster than anything! They’re easy to make, too. Take your favorite tea bag (fruity or herbal teas work best) and steep it in boiling water for three to four minutes. Take it out and pour the tea over a big cup of ice. You can stir in a little honey to make it extra-delicious. Add a slice of lemon on one side of your glass and a paper umbrella to feel like you’re on summer vacation already!

Citrusy Club Soda

Another easy coffeeshop recipe, this Italian soda is sure to quench your thirst. Pour club soda in a glass with ice and squeeze in some lemon and lime juice. You can add a splash of whatever juice you’d like to give it a little extra flavor. Add a straw and enjoy!

Cucumber Orange Water

For a tropical treat, make some ice water infused with fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut an orange in half, and then slice it into thin circles; thinly slice the cucumber, too. Then add them to a pitcher of ice water. (After two days in the fridge, you’ll want to make a fresh batch.)

Rose Water

The heat of summer can leave you feeling blotchy and overheated. Luckily for us, rose water has a kaleidoscope of benefits for your skin: the oils in its petals cool your flushed face, refresh your skin, and can even clear away acne. Plus, it’s cheap and easy to make! To make rose water in your own kitchen, use fresh, washed rose petals. Put the petals in a pot and add just enough water to cover them. Put the pot over low heat – but never let it reach a boil – until the petals lose their color. The rose oil will be skimming the surface by the timr they’re finished. Allow the water to cool completely, and then strain it.

If you don’t have the time to make homemade rose water, put a few drops of essential oil of rose (found at health stores) in some cool water. Either way, you can use this water to spritz the back of your neck and cheeks, or use it for facials to give your skin a beautiful glow. Just remember: this is one recipe not meant for sipping!

Have even more ideas for fresh, healthy summer treats? We’d love to hear! Share in the comments below!

Anna Squires, free spirit and word nerd, is a high school junior in Georgia. When she’s not hanging out on fitsmi, Anna loves mountain biking or doing yoga with her mom, working as a barista, and whipping up vegetarian treats in her kitchen.